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⚛️ Physics  ·  Mechanical Properties of Fluids  ·  NEET & JEE

Dimensional analysis shows that surface tension has dimensions of:

Answer: [MT⁻²] (force per length = energy per area).

  • A [MT⁻²] (force per length = energy per area)
  • B [MLT⁻²], the dimensional formula for force itself
  • C [ML⁻¹T⁻²], the dimensional formula for pressure or stress
  • D [ML²T⁻²], the dimensional formula for energy or work

Correct answer: A. [MT⁻²] (force per length = energy per area)

Explanation: T = F/L = [MLT⁻²/L] = [MT⁻²]. Equivalently, energy/area = [ML²T⁻²/L²] = [MT⁻²]. Both confirm the same dimensions.

Continuity Equation: Narrow Pipe → Faster FlowA₁, v₁ (wide, slow)A₂, v₂ (narrow, fast)A₁v₁ = A₂v₂ (continuity)Smaller area → higher speed → (by Bernoulli) LOWER pressure

Since the same volume of fluid must pass every cross-section per second (continuity), the fluid speeds up where the pipe narrows; Bernoulli's equation then says this faster-moving fluid has lower pressure - the principle behind a venturi meter and an aircraft wing's lift.

Concept context

Pressure, buoyancy, Bernoulli equation, viscosity, and surface tension.

Read the full Mechanical Properties of Fluids notes →